Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1887-01-21
THE QUESTION OF ADMISSION.

object of the law ls to avoid that special legisl
ton which. however great convenience
some cases, is on the whole unfortunate and No
nicious.
THE QUESTION OF ADMISSION.
The late election shows that Dakota h,s
population considerably in excess Of lali
million. The territory is filed with that mo-
staid and permanent of all classes an agricnI
tura Population: 1t expends two millions al
nually for schools. 1t has ex pended more tla
$500, 600 in the erection of permanent bnildips
for territorial institutions. 1t has 8, 500 miles
railway and $50 newspapers. 1t hae loo posl
postotfice department alone. In all that goes
make up n great commonwealth it is ahead Of
dozen of tho old states Of the union. 1t NAH
tains its credit; It pays it's debts; it contribus
ury. Its people are iaw-abiding and God.fss
ing. Nosrmy is required to maintain pubIa
order. No police are needed to protect ouur
in the enjoyment of their prosperity. Respss
fully, her people have petitioncl for recognWN,
by congress. Year after yenr they have se1
that body meet and adjourn without action, ss]
this in the face Of that ordinance declaring h]
shall be admitted into the sisterhood Of States
| do not doubt but that the blessings Of staN
hood are magnitied as the advantages of tern
nre entitled to admission. No one dcnie
it; no one questions it. Upon what hypothenI
or ground OF reasoning the application is denied
policy, it is blunder ON tho ground Of partisan
ship. it 10 something worse. We have seen pS
pie fighting to get out Of the union amid the pro
tests OF the National Government; it is Il noN
sight to see 100000 people struggling to get inq
the union without being needed or recognized
The excuse sometimes heard that there il doub4
as to whether tho people desire one state or tw
opinion of Dakota, let an enabling act be passed
with u clause submitting this question to a vote
all doubt will then be dispclled At least si1d
her an opportunity to be heard.
wish to say in this connection. ana with al
her aim by any extraordinary or e1tra-iudicis4
az intention OF seeking such q remedy. Ell
force its way ont Of the union: It is even mod
difficult to force a way in. take the responsiI
bility of saying that no such attempt will ID
made BY the consent Of the people Of Datot
law breakers or revolutionists. l stake my repul
tation on their loyalty. on their patience and oil
Their forbfa.ance They love the union Of the
their blood for it's maintenance. and they recos
nize its paramount authority even when that az
tbority forbids their participation in privilegs|
it more glaring and fragrant. Nothing be-
comes, government or an individual more
than the prompt recognition Of rights which
and enforced. The nation is powerful: terri
tories are helpless; they have no inge1erate pow
ers They were created on the snpposition that
the NATION would deal Justly with them: they
contided in the honor and good faith Of those
who were to succeed them. beg the men who
represent the statesmanship of this country not
kota who will be the greatest sufferers by reason
of such betrayal. 1t is the principle Of lepre-
sentative goyeInment. An individual may b
wTenefsily denied the elective franchise With
SSs Ss''''ef h ! fs the may s sns
property pro. win friepds; seek hap!gii.
n the pSes for aa Sher S s
greater wrongs. 1t degrades liberty sports with
solemn Injunction of the fathers. and Sacrifices
th?se principles which are eternal to the pitit11
this. No people are strong enough to trifle with
fundamental principle which affects the right
n ana privileges Of half million Of their fello.
honest expression Of the people regarding public
measures and public men. Can any states.
man honorably vote to exclude Dakota because
II admitted, her vote will probably be cast i
aim Of Craftsmanship Have our great men a.
complished their life mission when they have& /
praved few of their etr3egling fellow county,
from them on the petty details Of government III
that is co. then politics and politicians merit ap
the o?probrium heaped upon them. sps s!.
Heio Witnout one selnsh thought: j utter tihs
protest simply in behalf of the disfranchissd'
thousands Of honest. industrious. law-abidine
citizens or this great territory, who, SO far 81
voice or lntueL ce in national afiairs are con
cerned are as pOwerless and helpless as the ID
ton. "'~-s
CONCLUSION.
Gentlemen Of the general assembly, have
tried to give q faithful account of my Official
acts during the two and half years have had
the honor to preside over the affairs of tins
territory: This will probably be my last official
temporary delay has occnrre d in the assumption
OF the duties Of this Office by my successor.
am advised that such delay will be Of brief dura-
ton
! can be pardoned for referring with some
prlae to the records made by the various terri
to!ial omcers appointed 10 conduct public q;
tne,i own story They reject credit both on tn
~ ~, these places OF trust and respOnst
bility. No scandal. defalcatios. or usurpation9
~ ~ aotnorlty has marked the official duty o.
anese men. Their several departments have
gr1wh. n4urlshed and been wisel, administered,
s tba they have come forward with clean hands ID
tne closing days of their terms to render an &C;
count count OF their Stewardship. Lam grateful az ~
PROUD OF them. They merit the thanks of tn
people and that need of praise awarded in the
o onne VINE; We'll done good and faithful sel.
s;.u Aeave the executive Office with ny
ever; and with heartfelt gratitude to the people
ior the unexampled Kindness they have show
NC. commend my successor to the same kind
ness snd forbea rance HE dutiee will be arda
t fnn ms responsible ty great No one knows Tx
aula worm OF friendship or the full value Of gen
th THUS WORDS ull he has labcred in field liz